Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the total number of community employment schemes currently in place throughout the country; the extent to which she expects to be in a position to retain or replace with alternatives in equal numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12031/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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There are currently 1043 sponsors of Community Employment schemes, with 23,300 places. I fully intend to maintain this level of activity during 2012.

As announced in the Pathways to Work, one of the five strands of the programme is to provide greater targeting of activation places and opportunities for job seekers - particularly those who are over one year unemployed. My Department will continue to provide supports in the form of work experience and training through the community and voluntary sectors. Community Employment will play a critical role in this.